CORTLAND — U.S. Army veteran Kenneth David, who served in Vietnam, said he remembers seeing a bright light when he was wounded in battle in 1970, but then returned to fighting.

David, of Girard, was the guest speaker Sunday at a special Veterans Day service at Cortland Christian Church.

Frank Daugherty, a deacon at the church, said “today is a special day for us to thank and express our gratitude to our veterans.

“Soldiers pray for peace because it is the soldier who suffers the deepest wounds of war,” he said.

David was drafted into the Army in 1969 and arrived in South Vietnam in January 1970. He was involved in several battles, including on May 7, 1970, when he was wounded and members of his platoon were killed in North Vietnam. He was 19 at the time.

He served with the 101st Airborne Division and received the Distinguished Service Cross, which is the second highest military award for extraordinary heroism, among other medals. He also has been inducted into the Ohio Military Hall of Fame.

David said he remembers seeing a bright light and knew the Lord was with him and had his back.

“I was told that with what I went through, and with my injuries, I should not be here today but I am. I ask the Lord each day, ‘What purpose do you have for me?'” he said.

He said after getting out of the hospital after five months following his injury, he was bitter and angry and asked himself “Why me?” David said he learned the Lord had plans for him, including taking care of his mom who died in 2017 at age 91.

“I learned that one thing the government can never take away from you is the knowledge that you have learned. I tell people, believe in yourself and others will believe in you,” David said.

Pastor Curtis Miller said David and many other veterans have “fantastic stories to share of their service to the country.”

David was presented a Quilt of Valor with his name on it made by members of the Western Reserve Quilt Guild.